Background Globally, occupational stress is a common finding among dentists. The present study aimed to assess prevalence of perceived stress among practicing dentists of Karachi, Pakistan, and assess the perceived stress levels according to the professional standing among dental surgeons. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sampling technique in which 200 dentists from Karachi were recruited. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect data, including demographic and professional backgrounds. Stress level assessment was performed using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Results The response rate was 78.5%. In general, a moderate stress level (mean PSS = 18.35 ± 5.417) appeared in the sample size of 157 dentists, and the prevalence of perceived stress was 86%. The level of perceived stress was significantly lower in groups including 40 years old and above (mean diff; p = − 0.197), Rupees 1 lac (100,000) and more of monthly income (mean diff; p = 0.029), 11 and more years of experience (mean diff; p = 0.001) and Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor (mean diff; p = 0.035). Conclusion All groups representing the senior status of dentists have appeared with lower stress than groups representing the junior status of dentists. Exploratory studies are required to discover an effective coping strategy to deal with occupational stress among the junior dentists of Karachi.

OBJECTIVE: The vast spread of COVID-19 not only affected the major businesses of the world but also the health care facilities like dentistry. Due to the unprecedented closure of dental services, on-going orthodontic patients also suffered the brunt. The aim of this study was to assess the at-home management approaches used by the patients to tackle the complications associated with orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study carried out from June 15 to September 15, 2020 in orthodontic OPD of Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi. A total of 300 orthodontic patients, 208 females and 92 males between ages from 15 to 35 years completed a questionnaire on the complications faced by them and management techniques adopted by them during COVID-19 related office closures. Convenient sampling method was used for data collection. RESULTS: The majority of patients reported in this study were females. Approximately 69.33% (n = 300) of the responders were females and 31% were males. The highest numbers of complications reported during the lockdown period were loose brackets, loose bands and poking of archwire. The most common at-home hack used was removing the loose bracket/ bands and cutting of free end of arch wire with nail cutter like instrument. CONCLUSION: It is the responsibility of the clinician to keep in touch with their patients during pandemic like situation through telemedicine portal. In case of emergencies, patients should be provided with an adequate amount of information to tackle any complications with ease and without hurting themselves. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Pandemic, Orthodontic Emergencies